Ave Maria Study Club held its first meeting for 2025-26 on Sept. 12 in the Madonna Room of the Faith Formation Building at St. Henry in Marshalltown with 13 members and two guests present. The meeting began with a salad luncheon hosted by the officers Sandy Good, Rose Ann Jero, Kathy Slater and Marj Higgins.

After eating salads and visiting after the long summer, Good led the praying of the Rosary. Good then introduced the program which was presented by Jan Kluck and her accordion. Kluck then shared a little of her musical background. The accordion she plays was a gift from her mother purchased in Kansas City. She and her mother spent many hours playing in Marshalltown Nursing Homes. At 93, her mother had a piano in her room at the nursing home and she and Kluck enjoyed sharing music with the residents. Kluck presented a up-lifting program of favorite songs putting a big smile on the face of the women. She closed with “Thanks for the Memories.” It was a great start to the year with prayer, music and visiting.

Birthdays for September are Anne Ramsdell, Diane Maile, Edith Podhajsky and Slater. The members sang Happy Birthday and offered a prayer of blessing.

Jero had a box with information about the Jubilee 2025 year. Betty Pieper drew out the fact of the day and shared it.

Good conducted the business meeting. Secretary Slater read the minutes. They were approved as read. Treasurer Higgins gave the treasurer’s report. Yearly dues were collected.

Jero thanked Mindy McDonald for preparing the program book for the year.

The “Prayer for Religious Liberty” was prayed. Good thanked everyone for bringing the salads.

The next meeting is at 1 p.m. on Oct. 10. The program “Franciscan Water Project” will be presented by Mike Stein. The women were invited to bring guests.

The meeting closed with the praying of “The Prayer For Vocations.”